HEARTS star, Ryan Stevenson, has been offered a two-match ban for his X-rated challenge on James McPake in the Edinburgh derby.

Stevenson was widely criticised for the studs up lunge on the Hibs captain, which was missed by the match official, Willie Collum.

The challenge did catch the eye of the Scottish Football Association who today handed the Hearts midfielder a two-match ban for 'Serious Foul Play on an opponent'.

Stevenson now has until 3pm tomorrow to respond to the Notice of Complaint and if he does reject the fixed suspension offered, a Fast Track Tribunal will be convened on Thursday to consider the complaint.